The City’s First City Clerk Inspired Civic Engagement Through Career of Civic Service
The City of Lone Tree celebrates the life and accomplishments of its first City Clerk: Emma Lou Wilson, who passed away on October 15, 2022. A lifelong educator, Wilson helped lay the foundations of the City and was an example of civic engagement from the beginning.
After retiring from a teaching and school administration career, she could have settled into comfortable leisure. Instead of putting her feet up, when the call came for the formation of the City of Lone Tree, Wilson jumped in.
“She saw an opportunity both to get the city founded and then to participate in the government as an elected official,” recalls Jack O’Boyle, the first mayor of Lone Tree. “Not that she’d had any experience in that regard. None of us did.”
For Wilson, serving the broader community is what mattered.
Planting the Seeds of Lone Tree
Emma Lou Wilson next to the “Lone Tree” Blue Spruce in 1997.
In the City’s early days, there was no official municipality. Wilson played an essential part in running the fledgling government efficiently.
“Our office was our telephone and our home,” says O’Boyle. “When you’re a few days old, there is no office, no money, and no employees. But you have things to do, like hold an election.”
Wilson ran for the public office of City Clerk in 1996 when the need came. The city charter changed in 1999, making the City Clerk position appointed instead of elected. Wilson will remain the first and only elected City Clerk.
Wilson’s contributions to the City of Lone Tree came in many forms, one of which can still be prominently seen at the intersection of Lone Tree Parkway and Yosemite Street. For Arbor Day in 1997, Wilson researched, bought, and planted the City’s official “Lone Tree,” marked by a plaque directly across Lone Tree Parkway from the Hub.
A Clerk, a Resident, and an Ambassador for the Arts
Emma Lou Wilson at the Lone Tree Arts Center with Tony Award Winner Brian Stokes Mitchell (left) and First Mayor of Lone Tree Jack O’Boyle (right) in 2011.
As the City of Lone Tree took shape, a close friendship developed among the governance that built an internal community that still endures. Wilson is remembered fondly for her energy and enthusiasm.
“She always wanted to do something or inspire something,” says Susan Squyer, who served on City Council from 2010-2018 and as Mayor Pro Tem from 2016-2018. “A group of us were about to go to dinner, and she said to us, ‘Oh, I found this new place, and I made a reservation.’ It was a burger joint. She was so excited. And it turned out to be a biker bar!”
After retiring as City Clerk, Wilson continued to stay engaged with Lone Tree, especially in supporting arts and culture within the city.
“Emma Lou was just that giving person to the broader community,” says O’Boyle. “I think that willingness and energy is what we’re always looking for in our commissioners. Somebody who really wants to be active in their community and advocate for where they live.”
By stepping forward during the infancy of the City of Lone Tree, Wilson has left an indelible impact, showing that anyone can make a difference by engaging with their community.